Case studies: Historic buildings professional: Kate Borland

Kate has a BA (Hons) European Urban and Regional Studies and an MA Heritage Management, both from Sheffield Hallam University. Having taken voluntary redundancy from Manchester City Council, she currently lives in France where she is putting her professional skills into practice by undertaking a historic building renovation project.

My undergraduate degree contained a few units that gave me a taste of historic buildings conservation, enough to confirm that was the direction I wanted to go in. I found that the university ran an MA course, which was just what I was looking for to further my qualifications. The content of the MA course was quite broad, including topics such as conservation philosophy, architecture, historic landscapes and traditional building skills. Conservation is a wide although conversely specialist field, depending on what area you become involved in. 

My MA course was recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) , entitling me to automatic affiliate membership. Membership has provided me with many benefits and has enabled to me access a wide network of fellow historic building professionals.

Prior to graduating from my MA course I did some (unpaid) work experience related to historic building conservation, which was invaluable. It confirmed my interest in the profession and gave me some much needed references when I applied for full-time paid posts. It also showed that I was willing to learn and gave me the edge over someone who had graduated without any work experience.

The majority of my working life to date has been spent as a buildings at risk officer (not dissimilar to a conservation officer post in a planning department at a local authority), where I dealt with historic buildings in a dangerous state of repair. The job required specific knowledge in areas such as conservation legislation and building construction. As a conservation specialist you are one of many people involved in dealing with historic buildings, and the role required me to deal with enquiries from the public, speak with fellow colleagues and professionals involved in various cases, and meet with building owners, agents, and representatives in the office and on-site.

I then took a secondment to another department working as a principal manager for heritage development. I was responsible for a small portfolio of historic buildings which meant that I had to reconcile my conservation philosophy with the day-to-day realities of building maintenance and finance. This gave me the opportunity to expand my skills and learn about conservation outside the planning system. In future I am keen to expand my skills and hope to undertake a qualification in building surveying.

What I particularly enjoy about my job is getting involved in a range of different projects, from a small cottage to a major mill refurbishment - the contrast keeps you on your toes. I really like the mix of office life and the opportunity to get out on-site and meet lots of different people involved in the conservation field.

It can be challenging trying to explain the virtues of conservation to someone who thinks that historic buildings are just 'dusty old wastes of spaces'. It is often necessary to come to a compromise, which means reconciling your conservation philosophies to something that you feel is right for the building in question. Overall, however, the best part of working in this sector is working with like-minded people who 'get' historic buildings, as well as seeing some of those 'dusty old' buildings being given a new lease of life and knowing that you’ve played your part in that. 

My advice to students and graduates is to do some work experience and join the IHBC. It is also important to find someone who will mentor you as their advice and guidance is a great support, not just when you’re starting out but also throughout your career.